A lesson from secretory granules
Article Abstract:
Polymer-gel science and lipid chemistry have been used to develop a granule mimic that is able to store a drug for a pre-determined period and quickly release it when properly stimulated. The researchers synthesized crosslinked polymethacrylic-acid microgels with a swollen diameter of 6.5 micro-m at pH7.4. The hydrophobic, cationic, anticancer drug doxorubicin hydrochloride was then incorporated at pH5.0, prompting the gel to shrink. A new process was used to coat the collapsed gel with a lipid bilayer. The prototype system triggers drug release by electroporation, which could be hard to effect in situ.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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A synthetic mimic of the secretory granule for drug delivery
Article Abstract:
A method based on the precipitation polymerization developed by Kawaguchi has been used to produce anionic microgels made up of a 1:4 mole ratio of methylene-bis-acrylamide and methacrylic acid. The microgels were loaded with doxorubicin, a weak base cation which is a strong anticancer drug. The microgels showed a strong volume dependence on pH, with expanding Donnan pressure being balanced by the elasticity of the polymer network. This system has potential for use for the triggered release of encapsulated drugs in the body.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1998
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Release of secretory products during transient vesicle fusion
Article Abstract:
Fusion of secretory granules with the plasma membrane during exocytosis is not an irreversible and permanent event. Electrochemical observations made of serotonin release combined with measurements of the activity of fusion pores in beige mouse mast cells reveals transient fusion of the secretory vesicle with the plasma membrane. A significant release of serotonin is directly proportional to pore conductance.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1993
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